OSHAWA -- Lakeridge Health is asking Durham residents to make sure they know their health-care options going into the holidays.

Officials have put out a holiday-themed public service announcement on the issue, including a video on YouTube.

On average it takes people with minor health problems two to two-and-a-half hours of waiting to be seen and treated in the local ER, but officials say that wait times generally increase over the holidays.

"We have one of the busiest ERs in the entire province and over the holiday season it gets even busier," said Lakeridge Health president and CEO Kevin Empey. "We want people to know us before you need us, but also to know what other health-care options are available over the holidays."

That's why officials are asking residents to plan ahead by checking in with their family doctor or clinic for holiday hours or knowing the location of the nearest walk-in clinic and calling about holiday hours.

Officials say another option for non-emergency situations is to contact Telehealth Ontario for advice from a registered nurse. The number is 1-866-797-0000.

"Of course, in an emergency we always want people to come to their closest emergency room," said patient care specialist Shannon Keddy.